One of the most defining choices you face as an expat or long-term visitor in San José del Cabo is how you decide to experience your new environment. Do you stay nestled within the familiarity of your expat community—comfortable, safe, and full of shared backgrounds and languages? Or do you venture out, step into the unknown, and allow your experience to be shaped by genuine connections with the locals who call this place home?
Over time, we’ve come to learn that there’s something incredibly special about choosing the latter.
We’ve been fortunate to meet wonderful people here—many of whom came into our lives initially as service providers: a warm and talkative driver, a kind gardener, a Spanish tutor, a restaurant owner, a fishing captain, a tequila catador, or even a helpful physical therapist. But in many cases, those first interactions sparked conversations, and those conversations grew into friendships. These aren’t transactional relationships. They’re rooted in mutual respect, shared stories, and laughter over meals, sunsets, and everyday life.
These local friendships have opened up San José del Cabo to us in ways we never could have imagined. We’ve been taken to tucked-away beaches, hidden eateries, local festivals, and special spots that don’t show up on TripAdvisor. Often, friends ask us, “How did you find that place?” The answer is simple: we were willing to trust, to say yes, and to step outside of the comfort zone of our expat circle.
Of course, the expat community can be a source of deep friendship and support—it’s one of the great joys of living abroad. But it’s equally enriching to cultivate connections with the people who grew up here, whose lives and stories are rooted in this land. These friendships give depth to our experience and help us develop a deeper appreciation for the rich culture, history, and everyday beauty of Los Cabos.
Being an expat isn’t just about finding a new place to live—it’s about letting a new place live within you. That only happens when you open yourself to new people, perspectives, and ways of life.
So if you’re considering life in San José del Cabo—or are already here—take a moment to look beyond your circle. Say hello to your Uber driver. Strike up a conversation with the barista. Ask your gardener where he likes to eat. The door to a fuller, richer experience might just be waiting in that first conversation.
Because while the beaches and sunshine brought us here, it’s the people—especially the unexpected friendships—that make it feel like home. If you want to visit our second home check out our condo for rent at https://vivacondominium.com.
